IDEAL LENGTH 9 nights
Price From $12,630 pp
When to Go Jun, Jul, Aug, Nov

Winter Escape in New Zealand

“New Zealand, with its mountain tops, lakes that go on for miles and spectacular glaciers, is beautiful year round. Driving through the North Island is a beautiful sight as you watch the landscape unfold, and during winter, the North Island remains slightly warmer than the South Island with less crowds.”

Day 1
1 Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley From The Village. Mt. Cook National Park, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Day 1
Arrival Auckland

Upon arrival at Auckland international airport, you’ll be met by one of our representatives and assisted in picking up your hire car.

You’ll drive to your accommodation in Auckland’s vibrant Viaduct Harbour, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2
2 Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley From The Village. Mt. Cook National Park, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Day 2
Matamata – Rotorua

After breakfast, head on the scenic drive to Matamata, home of Hobbiton. Discover Middle Earth on a two-hour guided tour of the movie set used in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.

Continue to Rotorua and check into your hotel, which is a short stroll from Lake Rotorua.

Day 3
3 Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley From The Village. Mt. Cook National Park, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Day 3
Rotorua

Start your day with a visit to the Agrodome, which offers farming fun for all the family. Meet and feed lambs and calves, and watch a farming demonstration.

Next, head to the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Te Puia Thermal Valley to experience Rotorua’s unique geothermal landscape (and sulphuric whiff!).

Day 4
4 Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley From The Village. Mt. Cook National Park, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Day 4
Rotorua – Napier

Set off on the three-hour drive to Napier in the famous Hawke’s Bay wine region.

Check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to wander around the Art Deco buildings, and visit the museum or aquarium.

Day 5
5 Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley From The Village. Mt. Cook National Park, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Day 5
Napier

Today you have the day at leisure to explore Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy a self-guided bike tour of Napier, a tour of Hawke’s Bay wineries, a trip up Te Mata Peak for stunning views, or an excursion to Cape Kidnappers to play golf or see the gannet colony.

Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can recommend activities to suit your interests prior to departure.

Day 6
6 Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley From The Village. Mt. Cook National Park, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Day 6
Napier – Mount Bruce – Wellington

Time to jump back in the rental car for the four-hour drive to Wellington. En route, stop off at the Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre to meet some of New Zealand’s rare and endangered birds and learn about conservation efforts.

Upon arrival check into your Wellington hotel, next to the world-renowned Te Papa Museum (the hotel restaurant, Hippopotamus, is a Wellington food institution).

Day 7
7 Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley From The Village. Mt. Cook National Park, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Day 7
Wellington

Today you have a gourmet travel treat. The day begins with a visit to the home of a New Zealand culinary personality, and a trip to a boutique coffee roaster and café. You’ll enjoy specialist tastings and a three-course meal with wine pairings at a top Wellington restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a two-hour guided tour of Te Papa Museum, including a behind-the-scenes experience with a curator or collection manager.

Day 8
8 Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley From The Village. Mt. Cook National Park, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Day 8
Wellington – Queenstown

Drive to Wellington airport, where you’ll drop off your hire car and catch a flight to Queenstown on the South Island, known as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’.

Pick up your 4WD and drive to your hotel, which has its own golf course and spa.

Day 9
9 Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley From The Village. Mt. Cook National Park, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Day 9
Queenstown – Milford Sound

Today you have a guided scenic flight to Milford Sound, where you can admire the stunning glacial landscape.

Upon arrival, you’ll join a cruise down the fjord where you can admire the waterfalls, rock walls and Mitre Peak while indulging in a picnic lunch.

Day 10
10 Mt. Cook and Hooker Valley From The Village. Mt. Cook National Park, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Day 10
Queenstown – Departure

Today you have time for a final exploration of Queenstown, before departing for the airport. Explore the Central Otago wineries, take a gondola ride to Bob’s Peak, enjoy a jet boat excursion on the Dart River, go bungy jumping or rock climbing, or visit Lord of the Rings filming sites.

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itinerary highlights
  • Have fun in Middle Earth with a trip to Hobbiton

  • Explore the unique geothermal landscape of Rotorua

  • Discover the tastes of New Zealand on a culinary adventure in Wellington

  • Go behind the scenes with a curator at the renowned Te Papa Museum

  • Witness the glacial landscape of Milford Sound on a scenic flight and cruise

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Get in touch with our Lightfoot Travel experts and they will create a bespoke itinerary designed to your exact needs and budget.

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